Things to Do in Albania in August

An afternoon on horseback along the Vjosa River in Permet lets you witness one of Europe's last wild waterways from within its protected banks. You will see the turquoise current cutting through limestone gorges. You will hear the steady crunch of hooves on the gravelly shore. The scent of wild oregano and river mist fills the humid air.

The journey from Shkoder into the Accursed Mountains delivers you to the stone-and-slate isolation of Theth National Park. You will feel the crisp, thin air of the high valleys. You will see the well-known locked tower standing against a backdrop of sheer grey peaks. A local guide provides context to the echoing silence of this remote landscape. They point out the wild blueberries growing along the paths. You will hear the distant sound of cowbells from summer pastures.

A walk through Tirana is a study in layered history and busy street life. You will see the faded pastel facades of Ottoman-era houses next to the stark, concrete lines of socialist-era monuments. All this sits under a canopy of trees strung with electric cables. Your guide will lead you through the buzz of the Blloku district. You will pass cafes where the aroma of strong Turkish coffee mixes with cigarette smoke. You will step into the surprising quiet of hidden courtyards.

This private tour examines the architectural legacy and coastal vistas of Santorini, a village on the Albanian Riviera known for its whitewashed houses and blue-domed church overlooking the sea. You will feel the cool contrast of the marble floors inside the church against the summer heat. You will see the brilliant, almost blinding reflection of the sun on the chalky buildings. The salty taste of the sea breeze will be on your lips.

In the historic city of Berat, a cooking class in a local home immerses you in the tangible, flavorful traditions of Albanian hospitality. You will feel the sticky dough of byrek between your fingers. You will smell the garlic and paprika sizzling in tavë. Later, you will taste the sharp, fermented tang of homemade olive oil on a salad of tomatoes still warm from the garden sun.

This complete tour from Saranda packs the varied essence of southern Albania into a single day. From the mesmerizing, sapphire-blue spring known as the Blue Eye to the ancient stone whispers of Butrint. You will hear the powerful roar of water surging from the karst depths. You will feel the worn marble of Hellenic theater seats under your hand at Butrint. You will see the faded frescoes within the walls of Lekursi Castle overlooking the channel.